State Senator Considers Run for Attorney General Nomination

Virginia Senator Bill Stanley told a room full of reporters Thursday (12/1) that he may seek the Republican nomination for Virginia Attorney General in next year's election. The comments came as part of a panel at the Virginia Press Association's Capital Day event.

Senator Stanley has served in Virginia’s 20th District since 2011. He says he had previously yielded his hopes at a running in order to support what would’ve been Republican Delegate Rob Bell’s second attempt to secure the nomination.

“I think Rob has earned it,” Stanley says he told himself earlier this year, “and Rob will be a great candidate against General Herring.”

A little more than a week ago, however, the Albemarle-area legislator suddenly stepped out of the race, citing family concerns.

“This school year has brought significant new challenges that require my personal and immediate attention,” Delegate Bell's press release said. “Despite my best efforts, it has become clear to me that I can’t possibly fulfill my responsibilities as a father while making a statewide run.”

Stanley says since that day, a number of people have inquired about his potential candidacy.

“We’re giving it serious consideration and right now,” Stanley says about himself and his own family. “I believe that I could become the nominee. It’s whether I have the time to do it, whether my firm is in a position to do it, and whether my family is in a position – they support me in whatever I do, but I like being a father and a husband.”